CA2968397A1

CA2968397A1 - Method and system of treating water

Info

Publication number: CA2968397A1
Application number: CA2968397A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Josey Baudais; Garry Bush
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-26
Filing date: 2017-05-26
Publication date: 2018-11-26

Abstract

A mobile water processing system is provided for use in the oil and natural gas hydraulic fracking industry. The system can clean, strain and remove all soluble and insoluble contaminants in the water down to 1 micron in size. The system can be brought to well sites and other kinds of water sites, and process water there, and eliminate hauling water from well sites for processing, and can reduce the need for fresh water to be hauled to well sites. The system can also include a water tower designed for collecting chemicals, separating them from fluids in a catch pan for easy removal. The system removes the contamination from fluids and separates them for reprocessing and re-entering back into the market place, this system eliminates the need for deep well injection of dangerous fluids from here on, globally.

Description

BACKGROUND:
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[0002] Fracking of oil and gas wells uses considerable amounts of fresh water which must be hauled to well sites or sourced from ponds, lagoons, streams, rivers, aquifers, etc. The average amount of water used in standard size fracking site is approximately 90,000 m/3. These fluids are usually sourced near the well site, water that otherwise could be used for irrigation, agricultural or human consumption. Chemicals are often mixed with the water to produce fluids with the needed characteristics needed for the fracking process. The fluids recovered from the fracking process cannot be released to the environment due to the chemicals added to the water initially and the substances and solids that the fluids can collect during the fracking process, substances such as sodium and chlorides.
The recovered fluids must be processed to remove the chemicals, substances, solids and other impurities from the fluids that can collect during the fracking process. The recovered fluids must be processed to remove the chemicals, substances, solids and other impurities from the fluids before the water can be safely returned to the environment or be used for irrigation, agricultural or human consumption. This means hauling the fluids from the well site to off-site water processing centers.

[0003] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system that can process these fluids from frackhig operations without the need of hauling large amounts of water and fluids to and from well sites, it is not uncommon to see four hundred truckloads of fluid removed from a well site. This system reduces the amount of fresh water used in fracking operations, and minimizes the environmental impact of fracking operations, generally.
DESCRIPTION:

[0004] A method and a system is provided for processing or recycling fluids produced from the fracking of oil and natural gas wells, wherein the fluids can be recycled or reused in the fracking process, or be returned to the environment in a safe manner.

[00005] The methods and systems set forth herein are described in more detail in the documents attached hereto as Appendix [A] and Appendix [B].

[0006] Broadly stated, in some embodiments ,a method can be provided for processing fluids from fracking operations, the method comprising the steps of: removing first suspended solids from the fluids; then removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids; then separating oil from the fluids; then removing sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate particles from the fluids. And then filtering and polishing the fluids to produce a clean safe fluid.

[0007] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of evaporating the clean fluids into a vapor form for release into the environment.

[0008] Broadly stated ,in some embodiments ,the method can be provided for recycling process fluids from fracking operations, the method comprising the steps of: removing first suspended solids from the fluids; then removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids; then separating oil from the fluids; then removing dissolved particles such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphates from the fluids; then filtering and polishing the fluids to produce a clean safe fluid for future use in a fracking operation.

[0009] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the methods can further comprise the step of removing first solids, further comprise the steps of removing sand and silt from the fluids

[0010] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the methods can further comprise the step of removing hydrogen sulfide, further comprise the steps of removing hydrogen sulfide liquid and hydrogen and sulfur vapor from the fluids.

[0011] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of passing the hydrogen vapor through a hydrogen vapor active carbon scrubber.

[0012] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of storing the recovered oil from the fluids.

[0013] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of removing the sodium and phosphate particle from the fluids, further comprise the steps of adding aluminum phosphate and a coagulant enhancer, flash mixing and destabilizing the particles, then passing the results to a flocculation tank. The method can further comprise of slow mixing in a heated flocculation lank allowing further flocculation to continue, here a particle density enhancer will be added and chemical action will take place, soda ash and lime will be added here, temporary hardness such as calcium and magnesium will precipitate and be removed from the fluids.

[0014] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the mixture will enter a clarifier where a lamella clarifier will continue to remove dissolved particles usually unattainable. This happens due to the weight and density of the particles.

[0015] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the methods can further comprise the step filtering and removing of small particles from the fluid.

[0016] Broadly stated in some embodiments, the further method can comprise the steps entering a resin bank comprised of IEX RESINS. Here sodium particles will be adsorbed onto the resin particles later to be desorbed with warm water. Here the resins beads will accept a large amount of sodium adsorbed into particles since the temporary hardness was removed in the flocculation step, there is competing sites on the resin, so with the temporary hardness removed, sodium and chlorides can be adsorbed effectively. To further the step a vessel comprising of a mixed bed of resins comprising of anion and cation beads will polish the water to a low level of contaminates.
[0016] Broadly stated, in some embodiments the method can further comprise the step of entering the humidification dehumidification section. In his step the fluids enter a surface condenser and two enclosed water towers, here solar heated evacuated tubes, air currents and heat will distill the fluids where total separation of dissolved particles and suspended particles will commence. A fluid with a very low level of contamination will leave the humidification dehumidification section.

[0017] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system can be provided for processing fluids from fracking operations and produced fluid operations, the system comprising: means for removing solids from the fluids; means for removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids; mewls tor separating oil from the fluids;
means for removing sodium particles and phosphate solids from the fluids; means for separating fluids with a resin bank to remove any further dissolved impurities; means of filtering the fluids to produce clean usable product such as water.

[0018] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise means for evaporating the clean fluids into vapor for release into the environment.
[0018] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system can be provided for recycling fluids produced from fracking operations, the system comprising: means for removing hydrogen sulfide . .

from the fluids; means for separating oil from the fluids; means for removing sodium particles ,phosphate particles, calcium and magnesium; means for adsorbing dissolved particle in a packed resin bank; means for filtering and polishing the fluids; and means for using the fluids the clean fluids for fracking a .
operations.
[0020] Broadly stated, in means embodiments, the system can further comprise means for removing hydrogen sulfide liquid and vapor from the fluids.
[0021] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a hydrogen sulfide carbon vapor scrubber [0022] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise means for removing oil from the fluids and storing the separated storing oil.
[0023] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a flocculation4 coagulation and settling tank and a centrifuge to produce centrifuged fluids and second solids to be recycled.
[0026] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a conveyer for conveying the second solids from at least one centrifuge.
[0027] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a de-silter, de-sander and at least one vertical filter configured for removing normally occurring radioactive materials, hydrocarbons and any remaining hydrocarbon s and any remaining hydrogen sulfide left in the fluids to produce the clean fluids.
[0028] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a holding tank for storing the clean fluids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0029] Figure 1 is a 9 page P&ID diagram depicting one embodiment of a system for processing fluids produced from fracking operations DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0030] In some embodiments, fluids containing dissolved solids can be passed through a water treatment plant as shown in figure 1, step 1, sheet 1/9. In some embodiments, fluids can pass through step 1, wherein suspended solids can be removed by a sand filter /and or passing through a desander IDS-1001, as well known to those skilled in the art ,to remove the total o =
suspended solids [tss]
[0031] Figure 1, step 2, sheet 2/9. Oil coalescer separating vessels remove oil from the fluids to be contained {V-200,V-201}.
[0032] Figure 1, step 3, sheet 3/9. Hydrogen sulfide will be removed from the fluid with in the H2S vessels {V-400,V-401}

[0033] Figure 1, step 4, sheet 4/9. Hydrocarbons {HC} can be removed along with most organic pollutants, this is performed in the activated carbon vessels {V-500,V-501}.
[0034] Figure 1, step 5, sheet 5/9. Any dissolved solids can be precipitated and removed by mixing fluids with a flocculant and flocculant enhancer in a coagulation tank {CF-600}. With pH
adjustment, added heat in the next flocculation tank the {TDS}
will be greatly reduced. Further in step 5 is a settling tank, the temporary hardness will settle out in rapid time precipitating out the calcium and magnesium. The solids from step 5 will be dried, separated and processed for recycling.
[0035] Figure 1, step 6, sheet 6/9. Fluids from step 5 are further cleaned by passing through a dual media, organic particle filter, {F-700}. The solids are dewatered through centrifuging {C-700}
and any remaining fluids are put back in the process to join the originating fluids at {F-700}.
[0036] Figure 1, step 7, sheet 7/9 and sheet 8/9. Fluids from step 6 can be further desalinptqd with sodium and chlorides removed with the IEX resin bank {R-800,R-801} and mixed bed resin bank {R-900} followed by a fines filter {F-900}.
[0037] Figure 1, step 8, sheet 9/9. Fluids will further be processed and desalinated to a low level of any contamination with a humidification, dehumidification system. This will be a system using a heated air warmed with a solar evacuated tube heater. Also the use of 2 enclosed cooling towers and a surface condenser.

Although the embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The term and expressions used in the preceding specifications have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitations, and there is no invention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims declared.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method for processing fluids produced from fracking and drilling operations, the method comprises of:
a) Removing first solids from the fluids b) Removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids c) Then separating oil from the fluids d) Then removing sodium particles, calcium particles, magnesium particles and phosphates from the fluids.
e) Then filtering the fluids to,produce usable fluids.
f) Then filtering fluids to produce clean fluids

2. The method as set forth in claim 1. Further comprises the step of evaporating the clean fluids into vapor into the environment.

3. A method for recycling processed fluids from fracking operations, the method comprises the steps of:
a) - removing first the solids from the fluids b) - then removing the hydrogen sulfide c) - then separating oil from the fluids d) - then removing sodium particles and phosphate particles from the water e) - then filtering the fluids to produce clean fluids f) - using resin material to adsorb any remaining dissolved particles such as sodium or radioactive material g) - using the clean fluids for the fracking operations

4. The method as set forth in claim 1. Wherein the step of removing first solids further comprises the steps of removing first solids further comprises the steps of removing sand and silt from the fluids .

5. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of removing hydrogen sulfide liquid and hydrogen sulfide vapor through a carbon scrubber.

6. The method as set forth in, claim 1. Wherein the step of removing sodium particles and phosphate particles from the fluids further comprises the steps of adding liquid lime and liquid aluminum sulfate and soda ash, with coagulation and flocculation steps, pH adjustment and heat added, agitate the fluids and settle, passing the resulting mixture through a centrifuge configured to produce centrifuged fluids and second solids.

7. The method set forth in claim 8. Further comprises the steps of conveying the second solids from at least one centrifuge.

8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of filtering the fluids through a desander - desilter then passing the fluids through at least one filter configured for removing normally radioactive materials, hydrocarbons and any remaining hydrogen sulfide left in the fluids to produce clean fluids.

9. The method as set forth in claim 1. Further comprises the steps of storing the clean fluids.

10. A system for processing fluids produced from fracking operations, the system comprising:
A) - means for removing solids from the fluids b) - means for removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids c) - means for separating oil from the fluids d) - means for removing sodium particles and phosphate particles from the fluids;
And d) - means for filtering the fluids to produce clean fluids

11. The system as set forth in claim 10. Further comprising means for evaporating the clean fluids into vapor form for release into the environment.

12. A system for recycling fluids produced from fracking operations, the system comprising:
a) - a system for recycling fluids produced from fracking operations.
b) - means for removing hydrogen sulfide from the fluids c) - means for separating oil from the fluids d) - means for removing sodium and phosphate particles from the fluids e) - means for filtering the fluids to produce clean fluids; and f) - means for using the clean fluids for the fracking operations

13.- the system as set forth in claim 12, further comprising means for removing sand and silt from the fluids.

14.- The system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising means for removing hydrogen sulfide liquid and vapor from the fluids.

15.- the system as set forth in claim 14, further comprising a hydrogen sulfide carbon scrubber.

16.- The system as set forth in claim 15, further comprising means for storing the oil separated from the fluids .

17.- The system as set forth in claim 16, further comprises a flocculation, coagulation and settling tank and at least 1 centrifuge to produce centrifuged fluids and second solids.

18.- The system as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a desilter / de-sander and at least one vertical filter configured for removing normally occurring radioactive materials, hydrocarbons and any remaining hydrogen sulfide left in the fluids to produce the clean fluids.

19.- The system as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a holding tank for storing clean fluids.